On the same historic night of the announcement of America’s first Black female nominee on a major party ticket, Talbot County Council members voted against the removal of a Confederate statue from its courthouse lawn. The statue, named Talbot Boys, depicts a soldier carrying the Confederate flag and commemorates 84 Confederate soldiers who fought against their country and the more than 400 Union soldiers from Talbot County, Md. during the Civil War.
A new era for anti-racism
Social media has made it hard to look away from situations that make us uncomfortable, and it has changed how we see the world. Americans now witness a frequent deluge of viral videos exposing blatant racism and structural inequalities, from the retaliation of a white woman threatening to call the cops on a Black birdwatcher in Central Park to the horrific murder of George Floyd who died with the knee of a white police officer on his neck.
Over the past several months, the Black Lives Matter movement has gained significant and wide support from all ethnic and racial groups, including white Americans. An increased outcry for racial justice has led both protestors and public officials to remove dozens of Confederate statues. In Mississippi, lawmakers agreed to replace the Confederate emblem from their state flag, and in Richmond Va., once the capital of the Confederacy, the monument of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, was removed.
As a nationwide reckoning occurs, residents on the Eastern Shore of Maryland have practiced their democratic right to protest. They have done so peacefully, in towns such as Easton, Chestertown, St. Michaels, Salisbury, and Cambridge.
Talbot County clings to its Confederate statue
Elected officials across the U.S. have decided that their communities cannot live in peace while Confederate statues remain. Unfortunately, Talbot County Council members Laura Price, Chuck Callahan, and Frank Divilio, chose to ignore the divisiveness perpetuated by the presence of the Talbot Boys statue and disregarded calls for its removal by peaceful protestors and fellow Council President Corey Pack and Councilman Pete Lesher.
The three Council members who voted against the statue’s removal used thinly veiled excuses to justify their votes. They cited the pandemic’s interference with in-person public comments, the need to preserve history, and even though they were elected to represent their constituents, they claimed that the decision should be made by the people through a ballot initiative, which would not occur until 2022. To be clear, the pandemic did not stop public officials from removing Confederate statues in towns and cities such as Alexandria, Va., Louisville, Ky., Jacksonville, Fl., Asheville, Nc., Birmingham, Al., Denton, Tx, and more.
Like most Confederate statues, the construction of the Talbot Boys monument did not directly follow the end of the Civil War in 1865; instead, its creation occurred during the Jim Crow segregation era when Confederate statues were used as a means of racial intimidation. During the same era that the Talbot Boys statue was erected, gruesome lynchings occurred along Eastern Shore.
Proponents of the statue argue that keeping it preserves history. Still, for people of color, that history is a painful reminder of slavery and a time when many of their ancestors lacked fundamental human rights. Bluntly, all monuments idealizing Confederate troops are rooted in racist beliefs and are intentionally oppressive. These statues place white supremacy on a pedestal by perpetuating a myth that people who fought to maintain the institution of slavery were war heroes.
Cultivating a better community for all on the Eastern Shore
We want to live in a community that is engaging in continuing education and allyship, not afraid of it. As individuals who have moved here, categorized by the local term “come here’s,” we have grown to love the Eastern Shore for many of the same reasons that lifelong residents do.
However, we are greatly disappointed by the County Council’s decision to delay the removal of the Talbot statue and the excuse that “well, it’s just the Eastern Shore,” cannot and will not be accepted. Do we want to be the last place in Maryland with a Confederate statue on a state-owned property? Sadly, we know some white people will say yes to that question, but many will not.
As white individuals, we will never be able to fully understand how community members of color feel when walking underneath a confederate statue, especially when that statue is on a courthouse lawn, a place meant to ensure justice and equality for all. Yet we can listen to, believe in, and take the painful emotions seriously that they have expressed. We can become better allies by showing up to support racial equality and speak up when we see racist acts. This is well within our capabilities. We know it is in yours as well.
We encourage all to learn more about the available resources in your community and dive deeper into understanding why this interpretation and idealization of history are oppressive. Continue to critically think, discuss, and be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Lastly, evaluate if your elected officials are the people you want leading us during this time of social transformation.
Myra Ray-Howett is public administration fellow at Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration College of Arts & Sciences of the University of Delaware. Katelyn Kean is the registrar for the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
Gren Whitman says
In validation of former Governor Schaefer’s honorific for the Eastern Shore, and to memorialize their recent votes not to remove the Talbot Boys Confederate statue, a memorial outhouse needs to be installed on the Easton courthouse lawn and inscribed with these names—Price, Callahan, Divilio.
Ethellanahan says
I agree with Callahan and Price
Patricia Lynch says
Can you please tell why blacks feel that a statue and or the confederacy define them today. I’m of German ancestry and nazis and Hitler never defined my family or myself. If I had short comings and couldn’t move ahead that would be on my shoulders not histories of by gone people. Since the Great Society program of Pres. Johnson, which broke up the black family, there have been many programs to assist people of color as well as poor whites. I know there’s racism in America, but what we see on our news every night , of the looting, arson, murder and destruction, does nothing but to help to stereotype what we think. We been told by black leaders of BLM, that we should give them our homes, that were genetically inferior because were white. That we must pay reparations because of their choices in life. Their choices bottom line belong to them not us. I never owned slaves. My great great grandfather fought for the north during the war from Nebraska. And no he didn’t own slaves. Speaking for myself I am sick of blacks telling me I’m responsible for the lives and their choices.
Myra McAdory says
Patricia,
Please tell me on what government property there are statues of Nazis and Hitler that celebrates their history? It is not a thing so you cannot compare confederate monuments. Also, you may be of German dissent but are you Jewish? Do you have family members who were persecuted during the holocaust? With respect, you are not drawing a parrellel comparison here. Also, it seems as though you are lumping scenes that you are witness in the media and generalizing them to a whole group of people. What news sources are you consuming? Are you aware of the bias that each source might have? Do you try getting perspectives from different sources? Black people are not trying to punish white people. They are not calling for revenge. They are calling for equality. Equal rights is not a pie, there is enough to go around for everyone 🙂
Louise Perry says
Is Hitler a part of history? Yes, of course.
But, is there a monument to commemorate Hitler on the courthouse lawn? No.
Carol Voyles says
Give them our homes? Well, they were banned from hotels.
At least when you visit Germany you will not be confronted with statues of Hitler.
Vicki Cotter says
Well said. Thank you.
Diana Disharoon Notigan says
I grew up in the 50’s in Easton and experienced the 1st sit in as I worked in Trader’s Drug Store. i witnessed my friends parents picking my school against integration. I am so glad I got out of Easton and experienced meeting people of all walks of life, who don’t judge you by your color or creed!! Shame on you town council! My parents taught me that all of us all equal! It’s obvious the town council doesn’t think so. The statue has to come down.
It’s so sad that we were never taught any black history. I had to move away to learn about Harriett Tubman and Frederick Douglass and how they and so many black residents were treated in our area. Seems like some things haven’t changed!!!
Jim Bogden says
How can anyone who considers themselves an American patriot support maintaining a statue that honors wretched traitors who did all they could to kill as many U.S. soldiers as possible? This white American is deeply offended by the statue!
JT Smith says
This is a terrific statement of the reasons why the Talbot Boys should and must be removed from the Courthouse. Although the Council claims that Covid restrictions have inhibited a proper opportunity for public debate on the issue, the great weight of public opinion indicates that this statue is an offensive anachronism. The Council members who voted against removal should have no rest until they reconsider their terrible judgement.
Louise Perry says
Well said. I couldn’t agree more. “Do the right thing.”
Buckmaster says
Is there a way to take this decision to the people? Can we facilitate a referendum?
Anne Stalfort says
This white person who has lived in Talbot County for over 50 years, agrees completely with the words of Ms. Ray-Howett and Ms. Kean and thanks them for their thoughtful letter. I recommend the letter of former Mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu on the subject of Removing Confederate Statues.
Jane Murphy says
I agree with Ms. Ray-Howett and many of the comments. That statue is a disgrace and the recent vote does not, I hope, reflect the views of.the majority of Talbot County citizens. Please make your views known to Council Members Price, Callahan,and Divilio so they can reverse their positions or be voted out of office.
Connie Lauffer says
So beautifully said…………AMEN!
Paul Callahan says
I just saw a video clip of the Talbot County Council meeting in 2015. During that meeting Mr. Potter and Mr. Black told the council that Talbot’s NAACP’s position was that they wanted a monument on the courthouse lawn that honored both Union and confederate soldiers. I had to play it back to ensue I heard that correctly. It’s hard to find common ground on this issue when it keeps shifting!
Marie says
There was a write up in the Talbot Spy last week by Steven Hunter that touched on this topic. Also, a write up on the statue circulated at the Protest that was held last Saturday. You may want to try to get a copy of both documents and read them. It appears there may be more to the story than what the Public has been made aware of. Good food for thought.
Vickie Wilson says
This Black American is offended by the Talbot Boys Statue that sits on the courthouse lawn and is maintained by my tax dollars. I’m very disappointed with the council decision not ro remove the statue but vow to continue to keep this in the forefront.
Well said Myra and Katelyn. Thank you both for being allies.
Patricia, take the time and speak with a Black person about why they feel the statue is an insult to us. Many of us would love to have a courageous conversation with you.
G.Weber says
I stopped by the monument on Saturday. I noted a couple things.
1. I noted the names of patriots like Tench Tilghman, he was a revolutionary war hero who served for General Washington. The monument is about many boys from Talbot County, who fought in several wars, not just the Civil War. People fight for what they believe, what they believed was not always opposed in their day. They are all long dead and I believe God forgives them and us for our sins.
2. I also looked just to the north and saw the very prominent monument to Frederick Douglas. Yet I read people saying they feel the courthouse appears “an unjust place”. They fail to mention Frederick Douglas is honored very prominently. How can they feel unwelcome?
So the monument represents the history of generations of families in the county.
In a democracy, the majority rule, not the few demanding their view, and only their view prevails.
The people of Talbot county have a right to vote their opinion. Those who oppose the votes of the people are mere tyrants. What else will the demand?
This cancel culture reminds me of the Taliban blowing up Buddhist linked historic monuments in Afganistan. ISIS destroyed the historic city of Palmyria in Syria. We know what those people are like. Do those in the cancel culture crowd think they are any different than the Taliban or ISIS? Will churches be next? It’s all forms of angry oppression, and it will lead to tryany if left unopposed.
The people, all the people, need to have their say.
Peter Gallagher says
It is so ironic that the Talbot Boy’s statute should share space with the statue of Frederick Douglas. On May 30,1871 Douglas gave a speech at Arlington National Cemetary. “ we are sometimes asked in the name of patriotism to forget the merits of this fearful struggle, and to remember, with equal admiration, those who struck at the nation’s life, and those who struck to save it.. those who fought for slavery and those who fought for liberty and justice…….
We must never forget that victory t to the rebellion meant death to the republic. We must never forget that the loyal soldiers who rest beneath this sod flung themselves between the nation and the nation’s detroyers.”
This was excerpted from an article in the september issue of The Atlantic written by the poet/ author Clint Smith. Mr Zsmith goes on to say… “ I thought of this speech as I looked at the statue meant to commemorate these Confederate soldiers. Douglas feared that such statues might one day line the landscape of our country. But I wondered whether he could have imagined that his own likeness would stand alongside one as if they were two equally moral sides of the same coin, both worthy of being lifted up and venerated.
In conclusion Smith quotes Douglas as saying “ power conceded nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”
So let’s all demand that our Council do the right thing… Councilmembers take that statue down!
Paul Callahan says
5 years later at his speech to inaugurate the Freedmen’s monument, Douglass, noting that the view of this history was already being modified, spoke eloquently to preserve the actual history of that time “so that wise men of the future can learn from the history of these events”. Douglass told us that “truth is proper and beautiful at all times and in all places”
Douglass didn’t want history changed, he didn’t agree with spinning this history for political purposes.
Just a view from an admirer of Mr. Douglass….
Charles Yonkers says
Bravo in every way!!!
Gayle Scroggs says
Will Talbot County now market itself with its shameful Confederate statue,as one writer gleefully recommended last week? Who do you think it will attract? Who will it repel? Who needs an influx of more White visitors or residents attracted to a public display of support for the Confederacy?
The statue is a clear message that White supremacy still reigns here. The three councilors who voted to keep Talbot County on the wrong side of history should have their businesses boycotted until they wake up. They should never be re-elected as they lack the needed courage and vision to lead us into the future.
T Furey says
Why are these authors afraid to wait for the voters to make this decision? They state that “this is what the citizens want” — but what makes them the mouthpiece of all citizens? Are they fascists dictating decisions for everyone else?
Steve wheeler says
Well said, the county can easily decide, as long as we don’t have mail in voting. Vocal minorities are not the deciding voice…
Shari Wilcoxon says
Let the people vote. Laura Price, Chuck Callahan and Frank Divilio are correct.
Richard Potter says
Shari Wilcoxon- Let the people vote??? Then I guess the people should vote on all matters dealing with the county government, would you agree? If not what would be your solution?
Steve wheeler says
It’s obvious that the citizens of Talbot county have passionate views on both sides of the discussion . Why would a vote by the citizens not be appropriate? As long as it’s not by mail in voting? Vocal organized groups don’t run our county and don’t always reflect the wishes of the majority.
Constance Del Nero says
I was deeply disappointed, and, yes, a little horrified by the Council’s vote to leave the Talbot Boys statue on the courthouse grounds. I understand that Easton is the only town in Maryland that still has a Confederate statue on view in a public space. What a dismal distinction! Let us remember a few things about those who fought for the Confederacy:
1) They wanted to keep people who have a lot of melanin in their skin enslaved, denying them money, education, healthcare and hope. I don’t believe I need to say anything about how ludicrous this is.
2) They were treasonous, breaking away from the rest of the United States because they wanted to profit by keeping people enslaved. Treason is not something to celebrate.
3) They lost.
I wonder how people of color feel when they pass by the statue, knowing that it was erected to celebrate those who considered them to be 3/5 of a person.
To those who say that the statue simply marks a period in American history, I say, “Poppycock!” Imagine if today’s Germans made the point of saying that because Hitler was part of history there should still be statues of him on display in public spaces. Would you think that was a good idea? I hope not!
The Council’s decision was wrong, wrong, wrong, and at some point in the future it will be reversed. In the meantime, we can only be embarrassed.
Barbara Denton says
This is up to the people of Talbot County. I admire Council members, Divilio; Price and Callahan for having the strength of character to vote as they did. Bullying by the NAACP, BLM, and the ACLU should not be allowed to influence decisions made by Council members. Bullying by the President of the Council should also not be allowed and it will be addressed at the next election.
Richard Potter says
Barbara Denton, thanks for your comment. When you state this is up to the people of Talbot County, what people are you referring to? You also mention bullying by the NAACP, BLM and ACLU should not be allowed to influence decisions made by the Council members. My observation based upon your statement is We Are Talbot County too. The NAACP has a fully functioning branch that has been in Talbot County since May 8, 1949. Black Lives Matter(BLM), is Talbot County as well. By the very essence that you have Black people in Talbot County makes the BLM real. The ACLU is apart of Talbot County as you have members from the county that support the work of the ACLU. So these organizations and representation is very much apart of this county. What is ironic about this issue around this racist monument is that you along with others are so quickly to dismiss the feelings and experiences of Black people in and effort to have systemic racism reign that it’s pathetic and sickening. Your thought process for the 21st Century(in which we are currently living in) is so out of date and out of touch with the work that needs to be done in efforts to build a more inclusive beloved community. Your comments for the President of the council, who is he bullying? Terminology Matters- The President of the Council who is a Black Male who happens to be a Republican has now decided to have a change of heart with this issue and vote for removal and he is now a bully? Again who is he bullying? Terminology Matters… Would you agree that a difference in opinions are worth the discussion? Or is that considered bullying to? Bottom line Ms. Denton when you view your statements through a equity lens red flags pop up all over and here are the reasons why? You obviously don’t see people of color being apart of Talbot County. You also quickly dismiss the feelings that people of color have as it relates to their association with Black Lives Matter and the NAACP. You also quickly dismiss the feelings of all persons who are connected to the ACLU. You are either a racist or antiracist…. Where do you happen to fall Ms. Denton there is no in between.
Paul Callahan says
Mr. Potter, this assertion of “your either a racist or anti-racist and their is no middle ground” – are you adhering to the ideology of Dr. Kendri? It is my understanding that under this ideology almost everyone is a racist and that would have included Frederick Douglass and President Obama. I believe Dr Kendri proposes making government oversights Departments of Ant-Racism and that our children should be taught beginning at age 2 all about white privilege and racism. I believe Dr. Kendri just did an illustrated children’s book. Please explain. Dr. Kendri is a bright young man but also has had some not so flattering reviews.
Michael Era says
There is two ways
The rebel flag stopped having meaning when the south lost, its really no point in flying it (or displaying it otherwise) anymore, the significance behind it is gone. However To take down any statues due to BLM, is really stupid. If the “local” black people of the community have a problem with it, then they deserve to be heard, and perhaps something then should be agreed on. But outside forces should have nothing to do with it, if you dont live in that area, shop there, contribute revenue and know the area as history, it simply none of your business, which seems to never be heard these days. I feel black people in our country have certainly earned a right to be here, have a say and as much a chance at a fair honest life as anyone else. BLM on the other hand, is nothing more than a black, KKK, nothing short of a domestic terrorist group. Racism will continue to lurk in the shadows as long as there remains different cultures, which is why I call it culture clash instead. Its like we are living the 1960s all over, the only difference is, when people are getting burned out of their homes, hung from trees, and drug around behind pickups, something needs to change. Blacks have every right as anyone else today. However, they only make up 13% of the nations population, whites 62% so they may feel out numbered and treated about the same as they, or even I would if we moved to an Asian country, people of their own kind are going to support their own kind, its nature and nobody will ever stop it. Respect and admiration is earned, more human nature, so far, what BLM has done to the cities across the nation, I dont think they have earned much respect, and if anything, are quickly taking the country back to the 1960s, before Civil Rights. The statue coming down is between Easton residents and its government, BLM has nothing to do with it, as it should be…
Donna Richardson says
I feel the past is gone,let it be in the past, I am not racist, but if your going to take one statue, then all should go.
Jay Bunting says
It deeply saddens me that a hunk of stone and peice of metal can cause such pain. Is it a painful reminder? To some it is. Is it a memorial to soldiers who fought? To some it is.
When I was educated on the Eastern Shore I had many different teachers. Most of them taught me that: 1, all are created equal, 2, all have an equal opportunity IF they choose to grasp it and 3, the on person who will hold you down is you and you have to allow that to happen. Do some have barriers placed in front of us? Yes, but it is our choice to stay behind the barriers and complain that the barriers are there or move beyond.
I learned from both black and white educators that if you wanted to get ahead the only thing that would stop you was the barriers you placed in your own mind.
A statue in a park is not going to stop a person from getting ahead in life nor being held back. Most of the time they can be ignored because they do not effect your daily life. But yet people act as if a statue doesn’t come down their quality of life or some part of their life won’t change. Removing the stone and metal of the statue is not going to remove the hatred that lives in mankind’s heart. That is why Auchwitz still stands, to remind people that yes the past can be painful to some but it needs to be remembered so it will not be repeated.
When I see a Civil War monument I don’t see glory, I see a reminder not to repeat the past. Maybe if more looked at these monuments this way there would be a great deal less problems. It is just like to some people a Koran is holy and to others it is not. To some a Bible is holy, to others it is not. Our perspective of life is what matters here. If I let every statue bother me my life would be miserable. My slave ancestors and my free ancestors had to overcome the same obstacles to get ahead. Each generation wants and desires to be just a bit better than the last. You cannot be better if you make excuses for your shortcomings or blame others or worse yet blame your skin color. My faith teaches me to be more than a conquerer so that is what I choose to be, not what others say I will be. Certainly not what a statue says i am.
James Hale Knauss says
Well done.
Billy Jones says
Being from Alabama my Great-great-grandfather on my mother’s side and 2 of this brother’s fought for the Confederacy. both of his brothers were prisoners of war and both brothers died. My same grandfather on my dad’s side was full blooded Cherokee he also fought for the Confederacy. His sister was on the trail of tears. So I guess my family history does not matter?
MW Cox says
Thank you. I have a much better understanding of the meaning and history of the”Talbot Boys”. I hope there might be an appeal and the statue is eventually removed and preserved elsewhere…. it is part of our history but we must be respectful of our future.